Method and system for establishing a connection outside a mesh by including network connectivity information in router configuration messages

ABSTRACT

A Wireless mobile communication (WMC) device may maintain user preference information, which is unique to the WMC device capabilities and the device user. WMC devices located in near proximity of each other may be enabled to form an ad hoc wireless network wherein each WMC device within the network may function as a router for other devices. Utilizing such routing capability within an ad hoc wireless network may allow WMC devices that are out of their wireless coverage area to use other WMC devices within such ad hoc wireless network to route any impending communication through such other WMC devices wherein these devices may have wireless connectivity to their coverage networks. WMC devices that are may have external connectivity may be enable to be selective in routing information and/or data from other WMC devices in the ad hoc network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application makes reference to, claims priority to andclaims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/950,975filed on Jul. 20, 2007.

The above stated application is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to wireless devices. Morespecifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a methodand system for establishing a connection outside a mesh by includingnetwork connectivity information in router configuration messages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of wireless communication has seen dramatic growth the lastfew years. In today's world, most people use their wireless devices forvarious purposes, business and personal, on a constant and daily basis.Society is truly becoming a wireless one. Numerous wireless solutionshave been introduced, and have made a tremendous impact on everydaylife.

For example, the use of Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN) has beengaining popularity in a great number of applications because of theflexibility and convenience in connectivity they provide. WPAN systemsgenerally replace cumbersome cabling and/or wiring used to connectperipheral devices and/or mobile terminals by providing short distancewireless links that allow connectivity within very narrow spatial limits(typically, a 10-meter range). WPAN may be based on standardizedtechnologies, for example Class 2 Bluetooth (BT) technology. While WPANmay be very beneficial for certain applications, other applications mayrequire larger service areas and/or capabilities.

To satisfy such needs, other technologies have been developed to providegreater wireless service. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) systemsmay operate within a 100-meter range, for example. In contrast to theWPAN systems, WLAN provide connectivity to devices that are locatedwithin a slightly larger geographical area, such as the area covered bya building or a campus, for example. WLAN systems are generally based onspecific standards, for example IEEE 802.11 standard specifications, andtypically operate within a 100-meter range, and are generally utilizedto supplement the communication capacity provided by traditional wiredLocal Area Networks (LANs) installed in the same geographic area as theWLAN system.

Other forms of wireless solutions have evolved from traditionalland-based communication technologies. For instance, cellular phoneshave become just about an absolute necessity in today's world. Whilecellular technology was merely intend to add an element of mobility tothe traditional telephony service, this technology has grown beyond thatinitial purpose. Many modern cellular technologies, including suchtechnologies as GSM/GPRS, UMTS, and CDMA2000, incorporate substantialdata capabilities. Most of today's cellular services include suchfeatures as text messaging, video streaming, web browsing . . . etc.

Combining various wireless technologies is another trend in the wirelessworld. For instance, WLAN systems may be operated in conjunction withWPAN systems to provide users with an enhanced overall functionality.For example, Bluetooth technology may be utilized to connect a laptopcomputer or a handheld wireless terminal to a peripheral device, such asa keyboard, mouse, headphone, and/or printer, while the laptop computeror the handheld wireless terminal is also connected to a campus-wideWLAN network through an access point (AP) located within the building.

Devices aimed at taking advantage of the capabilities of wirelessnetworks can be described as Wireless mobile communication (WMC)devices. Today's WMC devices may comprise such devices as cellularphones, PDA's, laptops, and/or other devices.

One of the issues that tends to rise with the use of WMC devices is theavailability of wireless connectivity. Because WMC devices are typicallyaimed at use-on-the-move, a WMC device, due to its user's movement, maylocate outside the of wireless connectivity coverage area. For example,with such devices as mobile phones, it is not unusual for a user todrive out of cellular networks coverage area, especially when drivingbetween towns.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for establishing a connection outsidea mesh by including network connectivity information in routerconfiguration messages, substantially as shown in and/or described inconnection with at least one of the figures, as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary communicationsetup between a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device and a remotedevice, which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary model for setupthat includes a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device and a remotedevice, which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary model for setupthat includes a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device communicatingdirectly via a wireless connection with a remote device, which may beutilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates plurality of WMC devicesforming a local WMC network, which may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram that illustrates a mesh of WMC devicesinteracting with wireless connecting system, which may be utilized inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram that illustrates a mesh of WMC devicesinteracting with multiple wireless connecting systems, which may beutilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a flow chart that illustrates WMC device joining a mesh,which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a flow chart that illustrates WMC device in mesh handlingdata from other WMC devices, which may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and systemfor establishing a connection outside a mesh by including networkconnectivity information in router configuration messages. WMC devicesmay be enabled to communicate directly with other WMC devices that maybe located in near proximity; allowing WMC devices to form peer-to-peerconnectivity. WMC devices' peer-to-peer communication may bedevice-specific and thus limited to a narrow class of devices based ontype and/or make. Alternatively, WMC devices' peer-to-peer connectivitymay also be based on a standardized wireless connectivity interface, forexample Bluetooth®. Such WMC devices peer-to-peer connectivity may beutilized to form an ad hoc wireless network wherein each WMC devicewithin the network may function as a router for other devices. Utilizingsuch routing capability within an ad hoc wireless network may allow WMCdevices that are out of their wireless coverage area to use other WMCdevices within such ad hoc wireless network to route any impendingcommunication through such other WMC devices wherein these devices mayhave wireless connectivity to their coverage networks.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary communicationsetup between a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device and a remotedevice, which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the Wireless mobilecommunication (WMC) device 102, the remote device 104, and a connectingsystem 106.

The WMC device 102 may comprise suitable hardware, logic, circuitryand/or code that may enable performing wireless mobile communication.For example, the WMC device 102 may be utilized to perform voice, videoand/or text message peer-to-peer communication. The WMC device 102 mayalso perform additional functionality including, but not limited to,internet browsing, video streaming . . . etc.

The remote device 104 may comprise suitable hardware, logic, circuitryand/or code that may be enabled to communicate to with the WMC device102. The invention may not be limited to a specific remote device, butmay comprise for example, a general purpose processing device, aspecialized processing device, a specialized peripheral device, or anycombination of suitable hardware, firmware, software and/or code, whichmay be enabled to perform a job requested by the WMC device 102. Forexample, the remote device may comprise a home PC that may comprise fastprocessing subsystems and increased memory space. Such home PC may bebetter suited to perform processing and/or storage intensive tasks. Forinstance, where necessary and/or feasible, the WMC device 102 mayutilize the remote device 104 to perform Internet searches and/or forsecure storage of data that may be created and/or maintained in the WMCdevice 102.

The connecting system 106 may comprise a plurality of interconnectingnetworks and suitable hardware, logic, circuitry and/or code that may beenabled to facilitate end-to-end communication between the WMC device102 and the remote device 104. The connecting system 106 may comprisewireless and/or wired networks that may be enabled to communicate andforward messaging and/or data between the WMC device 102 and the remotedevice 104.

In operation, the WMC device 102 may communicate directly with theremote device 104 if the devices were enabled to communicate directly,or the WMC device may communicate with the remote device 104 through theconnecting system 106.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary model for setupthat includes a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device and a remotedevice, which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown the WMC device 102, theremote device 104, an access point 206, a distribution network 208, awireless network 210, a cellular tower 212, a cellular network 214, abackbone network 216, a local network 218, a wireless link 220, acellular link 222, an accessory device 224, and a RF link 226.

The wireless network 210 may comprise a plurality of the access point206, the distribution network 208 and suitable hardware, logic,circuitry and/or code that may enable implementing a functional blockcorresponding to a wireless technology. Exemplary wireless technologymay comprise for example the IEEE 802.11 (WLAN) or WiMax (802.16)architecture. The access point 206 may comprise suitable hardware,logic, circuitry, and/or code that may be utilized as access pointnecessary for the WMC device 102 to access the wireless network 210. Thedistribution network 208 may comprise suitable hardware, logic,circuitry, and/or code that may be adapted to operate as a backbonenetwork that may be responsible for transport and link functionality forplurality of access points in the wireless network 210.

The cellular network 214 may comprise plurality of the cellular tower212, and suitable hardware, logic, circuitry and/or code that may enableimplementing a functional block corresponding to a cellular technology.Exemplary cellular technology may comprise cellular technologies thatenable data services, including but not limited to, CDMA, WCDMA,CDMA2000, HSDPA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS.

The accessory device 224 may comprise suitable hardware, logic,circuitry and/or code that may enable performing some accessoryfunctionality in conjunction with the use of the WMC device 102. Forexample, the accessory device may comprise a hands-free headset. The WMCdevice 102 may interact with the accessory device 224 over a short-rangeRF link 226. The RF link 226 may be based on a standardized technologyfor inter-device short range communication. For example, the RF link maycorrespond to a Bluetooth® connection or Zigbee connection between theaccessory device 224 and the WMC device 102.

The local network 218 may comprise suitable hardware, logic, circuitryand/or code that may enable local connectivity. This local connectivitymay comprise use of Local Area Network (LAN) technologies that enabledata services, including but not limited to, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet.

The backbone network 216 may comprise suitable hardware, logic,circuitry, and/or code that may be adapted to provide overall systemconnectivity between sub-networks. The wired network 216 may be enabledto interact with, and connect different wired and wireless technologies.For example, the backbone network may comprise a standard telephonynetwork that may enable data connectivity between different interfacenodes linking wired and/or wireless networks comprising WLAN networks,WiMax networks, cellular networks, and/or LAN networks.

In operation, the WMC device 102 may utilize a wireless link 220 toaccess the wireless network 210 via the access point 206. The WMC device102 may also utilize the cellular link 222 to access the cellularnetwork 214 via the cellular tower 212. The WMC device 102 may attemptto communicate with the remote device 104 via the wireless network 210through the access point 206 and the distribution network 208. Thedistribution network 208 may enable forwarding messaging and/or datasent from, and to the WMC device 102. The backbone network 216 enablesconnectivity between local networks, for example wireless network 210,and cellular network 214. The remote device 104 may receivecommunication from the WMC device 102 by interacting with the backbonenetwork 216. Necessary protocol-based operations may be performed tofacilitate the transmission of information through all the differentcomponents. This may comprise use of such protocols as IP, SS7 . . .etc.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary model for setupthat includes a wireless mobile communication (WMC) device communicatingdirectly via a wireless connection with a remote device, which may beutilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2B, there is shown the WMC device 102, the remote device 104, theaccess point 206, the distribution network 208, the wireless network210, the cellular tower 212, the cellular network 214, the backbonenetwork 216, the accessory device 224, the RF link 226, and a remotedevice 104 b.

The remote device 104 b may be comprised similar to the remote device104; however, the remote device 104 b may also comprise suitablehardware, logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable wirelessconnectivity.

In operation, the remote device 104 b operates similar to the remotedevice 104; however, the WMC device 102 may communicate directly withthe remote device 104 b over a wireless connection. The remote device104 b may be operated as a stand-alone device, or it may be operatedwithin a compatible network, wherein the remote device may beintegrated. The ability to communicate directly with the remote device104 b may allow improved utilization of the remote device 104 b by theWMC device 102 because the characteristics of the wireless connectionbetween the remote device 104 b and the WMC device 102 may be the onlyexternal factor impacting the setup outside of the internal capabilitiesof both limitations compared to setups where the WMC device may have tocommunicate with the remote device 104 through plurality of connectingnetworks and/or entities.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates plurality of WMC devicesforming a local WMC network, which may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a WMCmesh network 302, and a plurality of WMC devices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c,102 d, and 102 e.

The plurality of WMC devices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e maybe substantially similar to the WMC device 102 and may also comprisesuitable hardware, logic, circuitry and/or code that may enabledevice-to-device communication, and generation and broadcasting ofrouting scheduling data to other WMC devices.

The WMC mesh network 302 may comprise a plurality of WMC devices, andmay also comprise suitable hardware, logic, circuitry and/or code thatmay enable forming mesh-like, ad hoc wireless networks of WMC devices.

In operation, a plurality of WMC devices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and102 e may communicate with each other once the devices are withindevice-to-device communication range. Each device may serve as a node ina routing-like architecture wherein each node may serve as a router forother nodes in the network. Each device may generate routing schedulingdata that may be broadcasted to other WMC devices. The routingscheduling data may comprise data that indicate external networkconnectivity. The WMC devices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e mayeach also maintain routing information that may enable each device toascertain possible routing paths when attempting to communicate withexternal network(s).

FIG. 4A is a block diagram that illustrates a mesh of WMC devicesinteracting with wireless connecting system, which may be utilized inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4,there is shown the WMC mesh network 302, the plurality of WMC devices102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e, the remote device 104, and awireless connecting system 406 a.

The wireless connecting system 406 a may be substantially similar to theconnecting system 106, and may comprise a wireless wide area network(WAN). The wireless connecting system 406 a may be utilized to enablethe WMC device 102 d to be communicatively coupled to an externalnetwork.

In operation, the WMC device 102 d may be enabled to communicate withthe wireless connecting system 406 a when the WMC device 102 d is withinaccess range of the wireless connecting system 406 a. Once the WMCdevice 102 d is communicatively coupled to the wireless connectingsystem 406 a, the WMC device 102 d may modify and/or updates its routingscheduling data to indicate that the WMC device 102 d may be capable ofcommunicating with an external network. The WMC device 102 d maybroadcast the updated/modified routing scheduling data to the remainingdevices in the WMC mesh network 302. Remaining WMC devices may createand/or update routing information based on the broadcasted routingscheduling data. For example, WMC device 102 e may update its routinginformation to indicate that it may have access to external network viaWMC devices 102 c and 102 d. In the instance that WMC device 102 e isattempting to access the external network, the WMC device 102 e mayforwards data and/or information to WMC device 102 d via WMC device 102c.

WMC device 102 d may be enabled to be selective in forwarding dataand/or information communicated between WMC devices in the WMC meshnetwork 302 and 406 a. For example, the WMC device 102 d may determinethat its connectivity with wireless connecting system 406 a may limitdata and information that may passed on behalf of other WMC devices inthe WMC mesh network 302. The WMC device 102 d may utilize variouscriteria for resolving any possible access conflicts. For example, theWMC device 102 d may utilized priority based on emergency as a criterionfor allowing data and/or information from a WMC device in the local WMCdevice 302 to go through rather then non-emergency data and/orinformation when the connection between the WMC device 102 d and theconnecting system 406 a prevent forwarding both the emergency andnon-emergency data and/or information.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram that illustrates a mesh of WMC devicesinteracting with multiple wireless connecting systems, which may beutilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4B, there is shown the WMC mesh network 302, the plurality of WMCdevices 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e, the remote device 104,the wireless connecting system 406 a, and a wireless connecting system406 b.

The wireless connecting system 406 b may be substantially similar to theconnecting system 406 a. The wireless connecting system 406 b may beutilized to enable the WMC device 102 a to be communicatively coupled toan external network.

In operation, the WMC device 102 d may be enabled to communicate withthe wireless connecting system 406 a when the WMC device 102 d is withinaccess range of the wireless connecting system 406 a. The WMC device 102a may be enabled to communicate with the wireless connecting system 406b when the WMC device 102 a is within access range of the wirelessconnecting system 406 b. Once the WMC device 102 d is communicativelycoupled to the wireless connecting system 406 a, the WMC device 102 dmay modify and/or updates its routing scheduling data to indicate thatthe WMC device 102 d may be capable of communicating with an externalnetwork. The WMC device 102 d may broadcast the updated/modified routingscheduling data to the remaining devices in the WMC mesh network 302.Similarly, the WMC device 102 a may be update/create its routingscheduling data to indicate that it has external connectivity andbroadcast the routing scheduling data to remaining devices in the WMCmesh network 302. Remaining WMC devices may create and/or update routinginformation based on the broadcasted routing scheduling data fromdevices 102 d and 102 a. For example, WMC device 102 e may update itsrouting information to indicate that it may have access to externalnetwork via WMC devices 102 c and 102 d or via WMC devices 102 c, 102 b,and 102 a. In the instance that WMC device 102 e is attempting to accessthe external network, the WMC device 102 e may forward data and/orinformation to WMC device 102 d via WMC device 102 c and/or to WMCdevices 102 a via WMC devices 102 c and 102 b.

The WMC device 102 d may be enabled to be selective in forwarding dataand/or information communicated between WMC devices in the WMC meshnetwork 302 and 406 a substantially as described in FIG. 4A. The WMCdevice 102 a may also be selective in forwarding and/or informationcommunicated between WMC devices in the WMC mesh network 302 and 406 b,and may perform substantially similar to the WMC device 102 d asdescribed in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a flow chart that illustrates WMC device joining a mesh,which may be utilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 5A, there is shown flow chart 500. The flow chart maystart when a WMC device comes into near proximity of other WMC devicesforming a mesh, substantially similar to the mesh described in FIG. 3.In step 502, the WMC device may join the mesh. The WMC device mayutilize specific device-to-device protocol and/or standard-basedcommunication interface to interact with other WMC devices forming a WMCmesh. For example, WMC device may utilize Bluetooth® standard inpeer-to-peer communications to form a WMC mesh. In step 504, the WMCdevice may generate routing scheduling data. The WMC device may includein the routing scheduling data any present connection with externalnetworks that the WMC device may be communicatively coupled to at thetime. In step 506, the WMC device may broadcast the generated routingscheduling data to other WMC devices in the WMC mesh. In step 508, theWMC may update its routing information. This may comprise utilizingdirect and/or indirect access to external network (via other WMC devicesin the WMC mesh). In step 510, the WMC device is READY, wherein the WMCdevice is actively participating in the WMC mesh operations and may becapable of routing data and/or message from/to other WMC devices in themesh network.

While the WMC device is READY, the WMC may receive routing schedulingdata from other WMC devices in the WMC mesh and/or experience change ofits external network connectivity. In step 512, the WMC device receivesrouting scheduling data from other WMC devices in the WMC, and the WMCdevice may proceed to step 504. In step 514, the WMC device detects achange in external network connectivity. This may comprise coming intoor moving out of, coverage area of an external network. The process mayproceed to step 504.

FIG. 5B is a flow chart that illustrates WMC device in mesh handlingdata from other WMC devices, which may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 5B, there is shown a flowchart 520. Initially, the WMC device would be participating in a WMCmesh, and in the READY state, as substantially described in FIG. 5A. Instep 522, the WMC device receives some data from other WMC device in theWMC mesh. In step 524, the WMC device may determine whether the data isto be forwarded to other WMC devices, or sent through the WMC device toexternal network(s). In the instance that the outcome of step 524 isFORWARD, wherein the WMC device is only requested to route data and/ormessage received from WMC devices in the WMC mesh to other WMC devices,the process may proceed to step 526. In step 526, the WMC deviceforwards the received data to the target WMC devices in the WMC mesh,and return to the READY state.

Returning to step 524, in the instance that the outcome of step 524 isNO-FORWARD, wherein the WMC device is requested to route data and/ormessage received from WMC devices to an external network, the processmay proceed to step 528. In step 528, the WMC device may verify whetherit is communicatively coupled to an external network. In the instancethat the outcome of the verification in step 528 is CONNECTION, whereinthe WMC device is communicatively coupled to an external network, theprocess may proceed to step 530. In step 530, the WMC device maytransmit the received data to the external network, and the WMC devicemay then return to the READY state.

Returning to step 528, in the instance that the outcome of theverification in step 528 is NO-CONNECTION, wherein the WMC device is notcommunicatively coupled to an external network, the process may proceedto step 532. In step 532, the WMC device may discard the received databecause the WMC device was unable to transmit it to an external network.Alternatively, in another embodiment, the WMC device may store thereceived Data and then attempt to transmit it whenever the WMC devicebecomes communicatively coupled to an external network.

In another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the WMC may beconfigured to operate as a server. In this regard, a WMC configured tooperate as a server may control operation of routing within the meshnetwork and/or external to the mesh network. For example, a WMCconfigured to operate as a server may have routing functionality and/orDHCP capability

Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a method and systemfor establishing a connection outside a mesh by including networkconnectivity information in router configuration messages. WMC devices102 a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e may be enabled to formdevice-to-device connectivity when they are located in near proximity ofeach other. These WMC devices' peer-to-peer connectivity may be utilizedto form an ad hoc WMC mesh network 302 wherein each WMC device withinthe network may function as a router for other devices. Utilizing suchrouting capability within the WMC mesh network 302 may enable WMCdevices that may not be connectively coupled to external network toutilize other WMC devices in the WMC mesh network 302 to reach, forexample, the remote device 104 via wireless connecting systems 406 aand/or 406 b.

When a WMC device in the WMC mesh network 302 becomes communicativelycoupled to an external network, it may send routing scheduling data tothe other WMC devices in the WMC mesh network 302 to indicate theavailability of external connectivity. The other WMC devices may utilizethe routing WMC device to communicate with external entitles such as theremote device 104. The WMC devices in the WMC mesh network 302 maymaintain routing information that enable them to determine availablerouting paths utilizing other WMC devices in the WMC mesh network 302.The WMC devices may update their routing information based onbroadcasted routing scheduling data from other WMC devices in the WMCmesh network 302. WMC devices operating as routing nodes for other WMCdevices in the WMC mesh network 302 may be enabled to be selective inrouting data and/or information. The routing selectivity may utilizevarious criteria. For example, a WMC device functioning as a routingnode in the WMC mesh network 302 may utilize emergency as a criterion inrouting selectivity.

Another embodiment of the invention may provide a machine-readablestorage, having stored thereon, a computer program having at least onecode section executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine toperform the steps as described herein for establishing a connectionoutside a mesh by including network connectivity information in routerconfiguration messages.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software. The presentinvention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind ofcomputer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methodsdescribed herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware andsoftware may be a general-purpose computer system with a computerprogram that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computersystem such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer programproduct, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of aset of instructions intended to cause a system having an informationprocessing capability to perform a particular function either directlyor after either or both of the following: a) conversion to anotherlanguage, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different materialform.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for improving wireless devices, the method comprising:establishing a mesh network between or among a plurality of wirelessmobile communication (WMC) devices when said devices are in proximity ofeach other; and sharing routing scheduling data between or among saidplurality of wireless mobile communication devices in said mesh network,wherein said shared routing scheduling data enables external networkcommunication for said mesh network when one or more of said pluralityof wireless mobile communication devices is communicatively coupled toan external network.
 2. The method according to claim 1, comprisingupdating said routing scheduling data whenever there is a change thatimpacts routing for one or more of said plurality of wireless mobilecommunication devices.
 3. The method according to claim 1, comprisingupdating said routing scheduling data whenever there is a change inconnectivity to said external network.
 4. The method according to claim1, wherein said external network comprises a wireless wide area network(WAN).
 5. The method according to claim 1, comprising generating routingpaths in each of said plurality of wireless mobile communication devicesbased on said shared routing scheduling data.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, wherein each of said plurality of wireless mobile communicationdevices comprises capability to resolve access competition betweenforwarded data.
 7. The method according to claim 6, comprising resolvingsaid access competition based on priority.
 8. The method according toclaim 7, wherein said priority is based on corresponding wireless mobilecommunication device identity that sent said forwarded data.
 9. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein said priority comprises trafficpriority based on type of said forwarded data.
 10. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of wireless mobilecommunication (WMC) devices comprises capability to store forwarded datawhen none of said plurality of wireless mobile communication devices iscommunicatively coupled to an external network.
 11. A machine-readablestorage having stored thereon, a computer program having at least onecode section for improving wireless devices, the at least one codesection being executable by a machine for causing the machine to performsteps comprising: establishing a mesh network between or among aplurality of wireless mobile communication (WMC) devices when saiddevices are in proximity of each other; and sharing routing schedulingdata between or among said plurality of wireless mobile communicationdevices in said mesh network, wherein said shared routing schedulingdata enables external network communication for said mesh network whenone or more of said plurality of wireless mobile communication devicesis communicatively couple to an external network.
 12. Themachine-readable storage according to claim 11, comprising updating saidrouting scheduling data whenever there is a change that impacts routingfor one or more of said plurality of wireless mobile communicationdevices.
 13. The machine-readable storage according to claim 11,comprising updating said routing scheduling data whenever there is achange in connectivity to said external network.
 14. Themachine-readable storage according to claim 11, wherein said externalnetwork comprises a wireless wide area network (WAN).
 15. Themachine-readable storage according to claim 11, comprising generatingrouting paths in each of said plurality of wireless mobile communicationdevices based on said shared routing scheduling data.
 16. Themachine-readable storage according to claim 11, wherein each of saidplurality of wireless mobile communication devices comprises capabilityto resolve access competition between forwarded data.
 17. Themachine-readable storage according to claim 16, comprising resolving aidaccess competition based on priority.
 18. The machine-readable storageaccording to claim 17, wherein said priority is based on correspondingwireless mobile communication device identity that sent said forwardeddata.
 19. The machine-readable storage according to claim 17, whereinsaid priority comprises traffic priority based on type of said forwardeddata.
 20. The machine-readable storage according to claim 11, whereineach of said plurality of wireless mobile communication devicescomprises capability to store forwarded data when none of said pluralityof wireless mobile communication devices is communicatively coupled toan external network.
 21. A system for handling data in wireless devices,the system comprising: one or more processors that enables establishinga mesh network between or among a plurality of wireless mobilecommunication (WMC) devices when said devices are in proximity of eachother; and said one or more processors enable sharing of routingscheduling data between or among said plurality of wireless mobilecommunication devices in said mesh network, wherein said shared routingscheduling data enables external network communication for said meshnetwork when one or more of said plurality of wireless mobilecommunication devices is communicatively couple to an external network.22. The system according to claim 21, wherein said one or moreprocessors updates said routing scheduling data whenever there is achange that impacts routing for one or more of said plurality ofwireless mobile communication devices.
 23. The system according to claim21, wherein said one or more processors updates said routing schedulingdata whenever there is a change in connectivity to said externalnetwork.
 24. The system according to claim 21, wherein said externalnetwork comprises a wireless wide area network (WAN).
 25. The systemaccording to claim 21, wherein said one or more processors generatesrouting paths in each of said plurality of wireless mobile communicationdevices based on said shared routing scheduling data.
 26. The systemaccording to claim 21, wherein each of said plurality of wireless mobilecommunication devices comprises capability to resolve access competitionto forward requested data.
 27. The system according to claim 26, whereinsaid one or more processors resolves said access competition based onpriority.
 28. The system according to claim 27, wherein said priority isbased on corresponding wireless mobile communication device identitythat sent said forwarded data.
 29. The system according to claim 27,wherein said priority comprises traffic priority based on type of saidforwarded data.
 30. The system according to claim 21, wherein each ofsaid plurality of wireless mobile communication devices comprisescapability to store forwarded data when none of said plurality ofwireless mobile communication devices is communicatively coupled to anexternal network.